'Eid' in the Times of a 'Khalifatullah'

THE TWO FESTIVALS OF MUSLIMS

We Muslims belonging to the spiritual family of Hazrat Muhammad (pbuh) and Islam have two festivals, two days of celebrations which Allah (twt) has given us as moments of joy and as a token of His love and satisfaction to the sacrifices we happily do for His sake, as per the fulfilment of His divine commandments. These two moments of joys are the Eid-ul-Fitr and Eid-ul-Adha.

The Eid-ul-Fitr comes after the blessed month of Ramadan, the month of fasting for the sake of Allah with the intention to reap the harvest of Allah’s proximity and belonging to Him heart and soul. As for the Eid-ul-Adha, it is what is known as the greater Eid, the greater celebration as it concludes the Hajj rites and commemorates the great sacrifice of the Patriarch and Prophet of Allah, Ibrahim (as) and his devoted son Prophet Ismail (as).

By the grace of Allah, after a month of Ramadan, we are to celebrate the Eid-ul-Fitr, Insha-Allah, tomorrow. This Eid (Joy) is of the essence of Allah and reflects the devotion of the faster who sacrificed himself and his way of life for a whole (lunar) month just for the sake of Allah, as fasting during this blessed month has as reward Allah Himself.

THE SUNNAT ALLAH CONCERNING THE ADVENT OF DIVINE ELECTS

And by the grace of Almighty Allah, Allah has enabled us (Ahmadi Muslims) to be born Muslims and also belonging to the spiritual family and identity of the Promised Messiah Hazrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmad (as) who came more than 100 years ago with a rise of a new century to bring people from darkness into light.

It is Sunnat Allah (the blessed practice of our Lord Almighty, Allah) that whenever the original divine message is in danger of extinction, that is, when people have deviated from the right path and has taken their own souls as prisoners and cast them in the dungeon of unfaith, then Allah, merciful as ever, before seizing them with His mighty punishment, chooses to send to them, time after time, era after era someone from Him to bring back the pristine message of Islam, the pristine divine message.

It is a reality which existed since the dawn of time and which the Quran highlights that those in power try to manipulate the mass so that the people listen to what the corrupted divines have to say instead of the true Messengers of Allah who come to the world with the Ruh-il-Quddus (Holy Spirit) to warn mankind and to give good news of the approval and pleasure of Allah when those who come forward embrace the divine light which is offered to them.

If the teachings of Islam as a whole were being manipulated by the so-called divines and scholars so much so that Allah saw the need to send the Promised Messiah Hazrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmad (as), then do you think that now the people in the Jamaat of the Promised Messiah (as) shall remain as devoted and pure as when the Ruh-il-Quddus was still descending on the Promised Messiah (as) when he was yet alive?

Eid-ul-Adha Retreat at Mathra: A Report

The Jamaat Ul Sahih Al Islam, Kerala (India) organized a Three-Day spiritual retreat programme at the historic Noor'ul Islam Masjid at Mathra earlier this month- October 04-06 2014, on the sacred occasion of Eid-ul-Adha. Sincere members of the Community enthusiastically participated n the Programme with the sole objective of renewal of spiritual brotherhood as disciples and followers of the Imam Muhyi-ud-Din Khalifatullah Hadhrat Munir Ahmad Azim Sahib (atba) of Mauritius. Reproduced below is the extracts from the main parts of an Official Report written about the Programme.



DAY ONE (04.10.2014)

All brothers and sisters assembled before dawn at the Noorul Islam Masjid at Mathra and observed the Tahajjud prayers. Later, Namaz-e-Fajr was conducted at 5.30 am . This was followed at 5. 45 am , by Darz-ul-Qur’an - led  by the Amir Jamaat,  Mukarram  R. Jamluddeen Sahib.   At 12. 50 pm, Namaz-e-Dhuhr was observed by the congregation. It was followed by a study session of a recent Friday Sermon delivered by the Khalifatullah Hadhrat Munir Ahmad Azim Sahib (atba) of Mauritius. The Amir Sahib. in his explanatory note on the Friday Sermon, exhorted all participants to keep in mind the grave responsibilities of faith and spiritual life in all our every day deeds and dimensions, as underscored by the Imam  (atba) in the original sermon.   

At 4.30 pm , Salat-ul-Asr  was performed and it was followed by a study session on sacred Ahadith on Namaz-  Mukarram Fazil Jamal Sahib based his explanations on the subject on the basis of Hadhrat Imam  Nawawi’s  classic text, Riyadh-ul-Swaaliheen.

'Eid-ul-Adha' and 'Maqam-e-Ibrahim'

Say: Allah speaks the truth. Follow then the religion of Ibrahim, (who was) ever turned (to Allah), and was not among the idolaters. (3: 96)

 

Through this Eid sermon today, I hope that each member of the Jamaat Ul Sahih Al Islam today ponder over the submission and sacrifices which Hazrat Ibrahim (as) has shown. And realise also how Allah accepted this sacrifice and rewarded him for it. Likewise, each woman must reflect on the special type of submission which Hazrat Hajra (ra) demonstrated. All this was only for the cause of Allah and Allah did not let her down; she did not lose (the sweet fruits of her sacrifices). The children also must reflect on the complete submission which Hazrat Ismail (as) shown and how Allah has honoured him for all times. Therefore, the sacrifices which are done sincerely in the path of Allah shall never be in vain. Today, even when you are performing Qurbani, you must bear in mind that Allah is not looking at the meat or blood (of the animal) only but also at the quality of your sacrifices; that which Allah looks for is your heart, the intention and sincerity within. That’s all.

I pray to Allah that He grants me also and all of us together this true spirit of sacrifice and whenever we have to do a sacrifice, that Allah accepts it from us. Thus, like you heard after the Surah Al-Fatiha, I recited the Verse 96 of Chapter 3 (Al-Imran), where Allah says:

 

 Say: Allah speaks the truth. Follow then the religion of Ibrahim, (who was) ever turned (to Allah), and was not among the idolaters. (3: 96)

The fundamental attribute of Hazrat Ibrahim (as) was Ibrahim the Hanif, that is, the ever turned to Allah. He humiliated himself before the One to whom he was ever turned (that is, he curbed/prostrated himself before Allah only). Therefore, even if ever he did an error, but the fact remains that he turned himself completely to Allah, he worshipped Allah only. He did not incline himself to any other than Allah. Therefore the central attribute for him is Ibrahim the Hanif.

Eid-ul-Adha: Prophetic Traditions

Insha-Allah, we celebrate the Eid-ul-Adha on Sunday 05 October 2014. Therefore, in today’s Friday Sermon, I shall put before you some Hadiths which has connection with the Eid-ul-Adha.

Abdullah ibn `Abdul-Rahman ibn Abza from his father (May Allah be pleased with him) narrated that the Prophet (peace be upon him) used to say in the morning and in the evening: “We wake up on pure Islam, the word of Tawhid (monotheism) and on the religion of our Prophet Muhammad (peace b upon him) and on the religion of our father Ibrahim (Abraham) who was purely a Muslim and never was from the polytheists.”(Ahmad) 

Hazrat Abdullah Ibn Umar (May Allah be pleased with him) narrated that Hazrat Muhammad (peace be upon him) recited out loud : “Labbaik Allahumma Labbaik, Labbaik Laa Sharika Laka Labbaik, Innal Hamda wan-Ni’mata Laka wal Mulk, Laa Sharika Laka” – (Translation) I respond to Your call O Allah, I respond to Your call, and I am obedient to Your orders, You have no partner, I respond to Your call All the praises and blessings are for You, All the sovereignty is for You, And You have no partners with you. – He cried out that attestation of the unity of God (that is, the Talbiya) and that is all. (Bukhari & Ahmad)

Hazrat Shaddad ibn Aws (May Allah be pleased with him) narrated that Hazrat Muhammad (peace be upon him) used to recite this supplication (duah) in his Salat(prayer): “O Allah, I ask You for steadfastness in keeping Your command. And I ask You for firmness of resolution in (pursuing) the right path…” Therefore, even for doing good deeds, pursuing the right path, there cannot be ‘firmness of resolution’ without duahs (supplication to Allah).

Hazrat Muhammad (peace be upon him) was the one who showed the most firmness and perseverance and also he used to seek the help of Allah through prayer/supplications to Allah (duah), and he sought guidance, that is, the right path, intelligence and perspicacity. This is what is called ‘Rusht’ (the ability to distinguish good and evil). 

“...And I ask You (enablement) to be thankful for Your favours and to worship You in the best way. And I ask You for a truthful tongue and ‘Qalbi Saleem’ (a sound heart)…”

Now, nobody has received a purer heart than Hazrat Muhammad (peace be upon him) and there has not been any person who has been more truthful than him on earth. Therefore, in this way, we can correctly say that it is Allah who gives the ‘Qawli Sadid’(clear/truthful speech), ‘Qawli Salim’ (pure speech) and ‘Rusht’ (the ability to distinguish good and evil), otherwise there is no other means to acquire all these!

Then Hazrat Muhammad (peace be upon him) said: “…And I seek refuge in You from the mischief that You know and I ask You for the good that You know. And I seek Your forgiveness for (sins) that You know Indeed, You are the Best Knower of the unseen.”

‘Eid-ul-Adha’ Retreat at Mathra: An Invitation

The Jamaat Ul Sahih Al Islam, Kerala (India) is organizing a Three-Day spiritual Retreat at the historic Noor’ul Islam Masjid at Mathra on the occasion of the blessed Eid-ul-Adha in early October 2014, (Dhul Hajj 9-11, Hijrah 1435), Insha Allah. Recently, permission has been accorded by the Khalifatullah Hadhrat Munir Ahmad Azim Sahib (atba) of Mauritius to our brother, Mukarram Amir Jamaluddin Sahib of the southern region in Kerala, to organize such a Jamaat Programme, inviting all brothers, well-wishers and the other truth-seekers, currently spread across the nook and corners of the Indian province.

For the Kerala branch of the Jamaat Ul Sahih Al Islam in India, if one may recall, the month of October 2014 also marks its Fourth anniversary. It was way back in October 2010 that the first Bai’at from India- of Janab Jamaluddin Sahib of Mathra- took place at the hands of Hadhrat Khalifatullah (atba) and also the subsequent formation of the Kerala Jamaat at Alappuzha, with the Bai’at of several other pioneers of the Jamaat Ul Sahih Al Islam in Kerala. It is also instructive to note that during the early days of the Kerala Jamaat, Hadhrat Khalifatullah (atba) received the following revelation from Allah:

"Tell them O My Messiah: 'The richness of faith is found in a pure heart, true dedication to the cause of Allah and obedience to you as My representative and beloved Messenger of this era.' Allah is pleased that such endeavours have been made by your disciples in Kerala to recognise you as My Messenger and the message brought by you to the world. Your humble prayers have been graced with divine attention. The Hands of Allah was over their hands, reaffirming their belief in you. Tell them: 'Never let go of the rope of Allah, never turn your backs to the signs you received and the oath of allegiance you took, for then neither Allah nor the angels nor any living human or any creature can ever help you against Allah.' Approval has come from your Lord, thus, make them close to you, as brethren of the same mother and advise them so that they may achieved spiritual insight and come closest to Allah. The Mighty and Wise is ever Watching. All Glory be to Allah, Lord of the Worlds."  --- (Received late at night on Friday 08 October 2010)

‘Sacrifice’ is a Call of Duty

The spirit of Eid-ul-Adha ought to pervade the faith and practices of the believer in his everyday life. He could, should and would be ready to sacrifice all that he values and cherishes in furtherance of the cause of God and to fulfil His wishes. Being submissive to the command of God and the willingness to sacrifice in the Divine Path is a call of duty for all Muslims, to be discharged throughout their lives. It is through the practical demonstration of obedience to Divine commandments in their own everyday life that the believers will be able to inherit and follow in the footsteps of the noble Messengers and saints of the past, points out the Khalifatullah Hadhrat Munir Ahmad Azim Sahib (atba) of Mauritius, in his Friday Sermon of 18 October 2013.

“And when he reached the age of travelling with him, he said: ‘My son, while I was sleeping I saw that I shall slaughter (sacrifice) you, tell me what is your opinion.’ He replied: ‘Father, do as you are ordered (by Allah). Allah willing, you shall find me one of those who are steadfast.’” (37: 103)

Exclusion of Ahmadis from HAJJ: A Grave Error

Performance of Hajj is one of the fundamental religious obligations of the Muslims. Yet, today Ahmadi Muslims are legally prohibited from enlisting themselves for the same, as the Ulema in Pakistan have succeeded in writing their bigotry and intolerance into legal injunctions. The Saudi Arabian authorities who take pride in the title of “Custodians of the Holy Mosques” have failed to estimate the gravity of their mistake in preventing those who believe in Allah (twa) and His Messenger from doing Hajj. The Kaaba, in the course of its several millennium of history, had witnessed some tragic transgressions, including the installation of idols and the taking away of the Black Stone itself for a period of time. Allah the Most High has informed the Khalifatullah Hadhrat Munir Ahmad Azim Sahib (atba) of Mauritius that the present legal restrictions/ religious prohibitions would also be thrown into the dustbin of history as it unjustly prevent the Ahmadi Muslims from being able to perform the Hajj.   

Read the Extracts from the Eid-ul-Adha Sermon, delivered on 16 October 2013: 

 And who is more unjust than he who prevents (men) from the Mosques of Allah, that His name should be remembered in them, and strives to ruin them? (As for) these, it was not proper for them that they should have entered them except in fear; they shall meet with disgrace in this world, and they shall have great chastisement in the hereafter. (2: 115)

Eid-ul-Adha: Qurbani is Obligatory

Through his willingness to offer his son Hadhrat Ismail (as) in sacrifice, Hadhrat Ibrahim (as) displayed tremendous commitment and extraordinary faith in executing a Divine Command. Islam, thus, commends the sublime spirit of sacrifice for the sake of seeking the pleasure of Allah (swt) in its rituals and faith-practices. The festival of Eid-ul-Adha and the ritual of Qurbani integrated with it, in many ways, represent the permanent remembrance of Muslims of the great sacrifice of the Great Patriarch and Khalilullah.  In his Friday Sermon of 11 October 2013 (05 Dhul-Hijjah 1434 Hijri), the Khalifatullah Hadhrat Munir Ahmad Azim (atba) of Mauritius continued the theme of the great sacrifice of Hadhrat Ibrahim (as) and underscored the significance of Qurbani or Udh-hiya on the occasion of Eid-ul-Adha.

Read the Extracts from the Friday Sermon:

“And when he reached the age of travelling with him, he said: ‘My son, while I was sleeping I saw that I shall slaughter (sacrifice) you, tell me what is your opinion.’ He replied: ‘Father, do as you are ordered (by Allah). Allah willing, you shall find me one of those who are steadfast.’” (37: 103)

Allah expounds on the sacrifice of cause of Hazrat Ibrahim (upon him be peace) and Hazrat Ismail (upon him be peace) in praiseworthy words. He (Allah) informs humanity in which way the unique son of Ibrahim (upon him be peace) preferred the decree of Allah above all things. In the verse which I just recited, Hazrat Ismail (upon him be peace) tells his father: “Father, do as you are ordered (by Allah). Allah willing, you shall find me one of those who are steadfast.” (37: 103)

Therefore, when both father and son submitted to the will of Allah, then Allah Himself was extremely pleased with such a proof of love and submission which both His chosen servants showed towards Him. Hazrat Ibrahim (upon him be peace) offered the life of his son at the command of Allah the Almighty, but (then) Allah, the Exalted says: “Wa fadaynaahu bizibhin ‘aziim” (37: 108) - And We ransomed him with a great sacrifice.

The degree of the manifestation of this love which Hazrat Ibrahim (upon him be peace) had for Allah was so great that it made manifest such an event which has since marked the history of Islam. This gave way to a rite called Qurbani or Udhiya, which has become a part of Islam. This sacrifice was continued by Hazrat Muhammad (peace be upon him) and Allah made it obligatory on the Muslims who have the means to do it. This sacrifice is not only prescribed for us, the people, Ummah of Hazrat Muhammad (peace be upon him) but it was prescribed also to people of the past also, like mentioned in the Holy Quran: “To every people did We appoint rites (of sacrifice), that they might celebrate the name of Allah over the sustenance He gave them from animals (fit for food).” (Al-Hajj 22: 35)

A Message of Peace to All Hajjis

The journey to the House of Allah in Makkah, prescribed as part of the religious obligations of the able faithful, is the representational act of complete submission to the Divine Will and Command in this life and the ultimate metaphor for the journey to the Hereafter. In November 2007, Hadhrat Muhyi-ud-Din Munir Ahmad Azim (atba) of Mauritius paid a poetic tribute to all Hajjis on the occasion of their proceeding on the spiritual pilgrimage to the land of the Prophet of Islam for the Hajj and Eid-ul-Adha. The depth of meaning and sheer beauty of the soulful prayer captures one’s imagination so much so that one keeps repeating the poem long after the first recitation. As another Hajj is culminating in the Eid, we reproduce the poem below for the benefit of all our readers:   

From the bottom of my humble heart,
May your flight to the land of the Prophet of Islam,
Bring about a great spiritual change in you,
And may you revolve in Allah’s Love,
And gain proximity with Him,
Who have made Hajj the essence of purification,

I call to you O Allah, my Lord,
To bless all those who are dear to You,
And who have readied their heart,
To accomplish Your command,
And come to You,
From all corners of this temporal world as true devotees of the Lord of all the worlds,
To sacrifice their selves in the hands of purity, Incha-Allah. Ameen